What is Ashtamangala?

 

1.      What is Ashtamangala?

The Ashtamangala is a sacred suite of eight auspicious signs featured in a number of Indian religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. These symbols point to qualities of enlightened mind stream of the persons in excellence. The meaning of the word is ashta as eight and mangala as good luck. When placed inside a temple it acts as a blessing for the devotees. In Jainism, they are the investiture in the form of ornaments for these enlightened personalities. Many cultural enumerations and variations of the Ashtamangala are extant. One can place it at the main entrance also.

Ashtamangala according to Swetambar tradition are: Swastika, Vardhamanaka (food vessel), Matsyayugma (pair of fish), Kalasha (water vessel), Bhadrasana (seat), Srivatsa symbol, Nandyavarta (an elaborated swastika), Darpan (mirror).

In the Digambar tradition, the eight symbols are: Parasol (umbrella), Dhwaja (flag), Kalasha, Chamara, Darpan (mirror), Bhadrasana (chair), Pankha (Hand Fan), Kalash (vessel).


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Jainism for All: Embarking on a Profound Journey of Wisdom and Compassion

Image
Welcome, fellow seekers of truth and wisdom, to the enlightening world of Jainism! It is with immense joy and gratitude that I invite you to embark on a transformative journey through this blog series, aptly titled "Jainism for All." Together, we will explore the depths of an ancient philosophy and religion that has inspired generations with its profound teachings on character building, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of inner harmony. Lord Mahavir I am Ratna Lalwani, M.Sc., Ph.D. in Physics from Calcutta University, your guide and fellow traveller on this path of discovery. Growing up in a family deeply immersed in Jainism, I have been privileged to witness the transformative power of this age-old tradition first hand. My father, Kastur Chand Lalwani, dedicated his life to translating numerous Jain Agams from Prakrit to English, illuminating the intricate teachings hidden within these ancient texts. My uncle, Ganesh Chand Lalwani, played a pivotal role as the Editor of t...
Read more

Nirjara, the 8th Navatattva (Elimination of Karma)

  Nirjara, the 8 th Navatattva (Elimination of Karma ) The eighth cardinal principle is Nirjara . It means the shedding or removal of karma from the soul. Karma once attached to the soul becomes active when the time is ripe to bear fruit. But if one fails to throw out the karma just before it starts bearing fruit, it becomes much more difficult to eliminate the karma from the soul. Bearing fruit means new karma flowing in by the actions and reactions of the old karma . Therefore, it is necessary for those who aspire for liberation, to exhaust all karma on a regular basis by the prescribed means of meditation, contemplation etc. This process of elimination or exhaustion of karma is called Nirjara. Nirjara is of two types: Bhava nirjara , modification of soul which leads to separation of karmic matter from the soul, and, Dravya Nirjara , actual separation of karmic matter from the soul. Again, Bhava Nirjara is of two types: Savipaka and Avipaka Savipaka or akam nirja...
Read more

Triratna or the Three Gems in Jainism

  Triratna or the Three Gems A simultaneous practice of Samyak Darshana or right faith, Samyak Jnana or right knowledge and Samyak Charitra or right character and conduct leads to liberation. These are the three gems of Jainism. Samyak Darshan or Right Faith Samyak Darshan is also called Samyakatwa. It is faith in the nine essential principles ( Navatattva ) and an attitude of unbiased approach to the real nature of things. It can also be called Vivek-Drishti or discriminating perception. Deluded by ignorance, the Jiva ordinarily takes falsehood for truth and truth for falsehood. The faith directed attitude of consciousness that can perceive truth as truth and falsehood as falsehood is Samyak Darshan or Samyakatwa . The spiritual life of the Jiva begins only when Samyakatwa emerges out of darkness of its ignorance. The Jiva develops an aspiration to know the truth in its essential principles, to renounce what is unwholesome and impure, and to accept all that is high a...
Read more